School staffing for Marion County

By Joe CallahanStaff writer

Tuesday

Mar 27, 2012 at 7:32 PM

The Marion County School Board on Tuesday passed its 2012-13 staffing plan, which is just a working document that will be tweaked over the summer before its final version is passed as part of the final budget in September.

The Marion County School Board on Tuesday passed its 2012-13 staffing plan, which is just a working document that will be tweaked over the summer before its final version is passed as part of the final budget in September.

The staffing plan is basically the same as the 2011-12, with the exception of minor tweaks.

The plan is only a wish list and the board can choose to fund or not to fund the vacant positions, which often go unfilled until money is available.

The staffing plan framework narrowly passed by a 3-2 vote, with School Board members Ron Crawford and Jackie Porter dissenting. They questioned why the School District created a best-case scenario staffing plan, knowing not all of the positions will be funded.

Crawford announced that he was not voting for the staffing plan.

“I just don’t think we can afford this,” he said.

Porter questioned the creation of 10 new head bus drivers positions, which would annually cost about $234,000 — including benefits. She was concerned about how the district would pay for them.

Deputy Superintendent of Schools Wally Wagoner said the School Board will decide whether to fund the positions.

The head bus drivers would be management. These employees would ride on problem routes and train new drivers.

“You will have a chance to decide whether you want to fund all of this,” said Wagoner, noting he has never seen a staffing plan that ended up completely funded.

Porter also questioned the promotion of Scott Hansen, who will now be moved from director to executive director of technology and information systems.

The position carries a raise of about $4,000 annually.

Porter said without additional responsibilities, she could not support the promotion. Superintendent of Schools Jim Yancey noted that the state’s move to online testing during the last few years is just one example to warrant the promotion.

Hansen has been instrumental in leading the charge in buying the technology and implementing the new computer systems needed for end-of-course exams, computerized Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test exams and technology at 50 schools.

Crawford also supported Hansen’s promotion. In fact, Crawford said Hansen still has a daunting task when it comes to the state’s new requirements when it comes to online testing and technology.